minetest.register_privilege ("build", "Can place and dig nodes/blocks")

local oldProtect = minetest.is_protected

function minetest.is_protected (pos, playerName)
    if playerName == "" then
        return oldProtect (pos, playerName)
    else
        return not minetest.get_player_privs (playerName).build or
            oldProtect (pos, playerName)
    end
end